Mr Benn, who died at home this morning aged 88, inspired Dorset residents through his politics and beliefs.

Lord Knight of Weymouth, formerly the South Dorset Labour MP Jim Knight, said: “He was an impossible man not to like, admire and respect – and because he had a fundamental decency in the way he wanted to relate to everyone and he showed respect to other people, that commanded respect back.

“He did what he felt people can’t do now, which is remain close to his principles, close to his beliefs and not to compromise, not be cowed by pressure of what we’re supposed to think by the media. He said what he thought.”

He said it was a tribute to Tony Benn that his children and grandchildren had gone on to make contributions in politics.

The former cabinet minister's son Hilary is shadow communities secretary, while granddaughter Emily stood at the last general election at the age of 18.

Lord Knight added: “It’s a huge loss, more to them than the rest of us but it’s a massive loss for the whole of the labour movement.”

Lord Knight also took to social networking site Twitter to pay tribute.

He said: "Very sad this morning. Tony Benn inspired so many people through principle, integrity and oratory."

"Tony Benn was a regular at Tolpuddle, where he re-invigorated so many each year."

Dorset-based singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who is in Australia, posted a tribute on Facebook.

He said: “I was about to go onstage at a trade union rally here in Melbourne tonight when I heard from a member of the audience that Tony Benn has died.

“Tony was responsible for educating me about the English radical tradition.

"During the miner's strike, he gave me a copy of his 1984 book Writings on the Wall: a Radical and Socialist Anthology 1215-1984.

"Having got most of my politics from pop music, it was a real eye opener, not only introducing me to the Levellers and the Diggers, but the Luddites and the Chartists too.

“I heard him speak many times since then and he never failed to connect whatever issue he was talking about with the tradition of radical dissent both here and abroad.

He added: “I shall raise a pint of tea to him tonight here in Australia and hope that I may emulate him by becoming more radical as I grow older."

Mr Benn attended the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival last year, where he said: "I think Tolpuddle is one of the great events in the labour movement."

The festival celebrates equality, justice and fair pay and marks the actions of the six Tolpuddle Martyrs who formed a union and were exiled to Australia in 1834.

In a statement, Mr Benn's children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua said: ''It is with great sadness that we announce that our father Tony Benn died peacefully early this morning at his home in west London surrounded by his family.

''We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home.

''We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives.

"But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better.

''Arrangements for his funeral will be announced in due course.''

Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the Labour veteran on Twitter.

He said: ''Tony Benn was a magnificent writer, speaker and campaigner.

"There was never a dull moment listening to him, even if you disagreed with him.''

Labour MPs also took to the social network to pay warm tributes.

Former cabinet minister Peter Hain said: ''Tony Benn was a giant of socialism who encouraged me to join Labour in 1977: wonderful inspirational speaker and person: will be deeply missed.''

Diane Abbott said: ''Admired so many things about Benn: unwavering principles; always open to new ideas; stellar political speaker but unfailingly courteous.''

Barry Sheerman, who entered parliament in 1979 and served alongside Mr Benn for many years, said : ''Sad news of Tony Benn death.

"I had my differences with him but he was a ''big beast'' in our political life and party history.''

Lucy Powell, one of the party's newest MPs, added: ''Very sorry to hear the sad news about Tony Benn. He was a political giant of the last century, principled and passionate.''

RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.

RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.woodsedge

woodsedge wrote:
RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.

very sincere, you seem...

[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.[/p][/quote]very sincere, you seem...elloello1980

woodsedge wrote:
RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.

Absolutey right. Well said.

[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
RIP Tony Benn, my favourite Benn quote is ' Blair was the worse leader the Labour Party ever had'. How true, one politician who stood by his values and dedicated his life to trying to make the world a better place, and another who should be in prison for war crimes and who turned the Labour Party into just another shade of blue.[/p][/quote]Absolutey right. Well said.monkeydog

IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE wrote:
woodsedge says...And your point is?
I live in Dorset and I do not wish to be associated with 'tributes' to dead or living politicians nor I suggest do many others!

Then why didn't you say that in the first place? Or better still out of respect to someone who, regardless of any individuals political view, worked tirelessly for working people of the UK, NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.

[quote][p][bold]IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE[/bold] wrote:
woodsedge says...And your point is?
I live in Dorset and I do not wish to be associated with 'tributes' to dead or living politicians nor I suggest do many others![/p][/quote]Then why didn't you say that in the first place? Or better still out of respect to someone who, regardless of any individuals political view, worked tirelessly for working people of the UK, NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.woodsedge

woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.

woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE

IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE wrote:
woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.

Enlisted as a pilot in 1943, relinquished his commission, renounced his peerage and worked tirelessly for world peace. That is some "silver spoon".

[quote][p][bold]IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE[/bold] wrote:
woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.[/p][/quote]Enlisted as a pilot in 1943, relinquished his commission, renounced his peerage and worked tirelessly for world peace. That is some "silver spoon".woodsedge

IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE wrote:
woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.

I'd really suggest you read about him. The fact that he was born to privilege and turned his back on it to help working people is what, to me, marks him out.
Presumably you would also discount the efforts of William Wilberforce in ending the transatlantic slave trade because he was a toff?

[quote][p][bold]IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE[/bold] wrote:
woodsedge says.. 'He worked tirelessly for working people of the UK'
Not being a working person himself having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he could afford to do what he did.[/p][/quote]I'd really suggest you read about him. The fact that he was born to privilege and turned his back on it to help working people is what, to me, marks him out.
Presumably you would also discount the efforts of William Wilberforce in ending the transatlantic slave trade because he was a toff?JamesYoung

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.average_kinda_guy

That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?

average_kinda_guy says...this man was a truly great politician.
That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE

IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE wrote:
average_kinda_guy says...this man was a truly great politician.

That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?

Mr.Positive strikes again.
RIP Tony Benn, a true politician for the people, selfless, hard working and inspirational, I last heard him speak at a festival about five years ago, fighting for the future of the NHS. Such a shame because he predicted the dismantling of it by the tories for profit, say no more.

[quote][p][bold]IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE[/bold] wrote:
average_kinda_guy says...this man was a truly great politician.
That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?[/p][/quote]Mr.Positive strikes again.
RIP Tony Benn, a true politician for the people, selfless, hard working and inspirational, I last heard him speak at a festival about five years ago, fighting for the future of the NHS. Such a shame because he predicted the dismantling of it by the tories for profit, say no more.codlips

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?

[quote][p][bold]average_kinda_guy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.[/p][/quote]Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?Sigurd Hoberth

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?

Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.

[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]average_kinda_guy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.[/p][/quote]Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?[/p][/quote]Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.woodsedge

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?

Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.

Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.

[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]average_kinda_guy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.[/p][/quote]Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?[/p][/quote]Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.[/p][/quote]Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.Sigurd Hoberth

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?

Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.

Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.

I am genuinely concerned about your state of mind. Seriously please get some help, your rants are becoming even more extreme and you have used your latest phrase 'rainbow painted unicorns' on several threads.

[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]average_kinda_guy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.[/p][/quote]Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?[/p][/quote]Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.[/p][/quote]Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.[/p][/quote]I am genuinely concerned about your state of mind. Seriously please get some help, your rants are becoming even more extreme and you have used your latest phrase 'rainbow painted unicorns' on several threads.woodsedge

Sigurd Hoberth wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.

That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.

Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?

Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.

Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.

I am genuinely concerned about your state of mind. Seriously please get some help, your rants are becoming even more extreme and you have used your latest phrase 'rainbow painted unicorns' on several threads.

[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]woodsedge[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]average_kinda_guy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sigurd Hoberth[/bold] wrote:
Two dead socialists in a week, Jesus the sun has come out.[/p][/quote]That has to be the most callous comment I have ever read on this site, and I think that you should be ashamed of yourself for writing it.
Regardless of your political beliefs this man was a truly great politician with real conviction who worked hard throughout his life and did great deeds. Anyone with common sense will be aware of these facts.[/p][/quote]Why, I was merely taking a leaf from the other dead red, Bob crow's book....
or did you forget what he said about Thatcher upon her death. ?[/p][/quote]Cedric AKA Cyril AKA David, you really are a sad excuse for a human being. Not to worry, it won't be long until you are banned again.[/p][/quote]Awww, poor wittle you, some people don't agree with you again? One crate of rainbow painted Unicorns and a special serving of love and fragrance heading your way....i'll dry your tears.[/p][/quote]I am genuinely concerned about your state of mind. Seriously please get some help, your rants are becoming even more extreme and you have used your latest phrase 'rainbow painted unicorns' on several threads.[/p][/quote]Yes, the Troll bait works doesn't it.......however your shaming language tactic s don't. You finished crying yet?Sigurd Hoberth

"Margaret Thatcher was a very powerful, rightwing force in society. She followed her beliefs and had clear objectives. Her policy was to reverse the trends in modern politics that were made possible by the trade unions being legalised. She decided to eradicate the power of the unions, undermine local government and privatise assets – and these were the three policies of the labour movement.

It was a major attack on democracy and at first it carried some public support, but then it became unstuck, and in the end, it was rejected. But ideas always come back and the modern Tory party is influenced by her ideas.

Although I thought she was wrong, she said what she meant and meant what she said. It was not about style with her; it was substance – I don't think she listened to spin doctors, she just had a clear idea and followed it through.

I remember her at the funeral of MP Eric Heffer. I was asked to make a speech and as I was waiting, there was someone behind me coughing. It was Mrs Thatcher, and at the end I thanked her for coming and she burst into tears. She had come out of respect for someone whose opinions she disagreed with."

Tony Benn, and also Margaret Thatcher at Eric Heffer's funeral, could show respect to the memory of people on opposite sides of the political divide. Shame people on here can't.

And as for Bob Crow's comments about Margaret Thatcher when she died, well what he said was wrong. It's also a shame that some people on here seem to think two wrongs make a right.

This is what Tony Benn said about Margaret Thatcher after her death;
"Margaret Thatcher was a very powerful, rightwing force in society. She followed her beliefs and had clear objectives. Her policy was to reverse the trends in modern politics that were made possible by the trade unions being legalised. She decided to eradicate the power of the unions, undermine local government and privatise assets – and these were the three policies of the labour movement.
It was a major attack on democracy and at first it carried some public support, but then it became unstuck, and in the end, it was rejected. But ideas always come back and the modern Tory party is influenced by her ideas.
Although I thought she was wrong, she said what she meant and meant what she said. It was not about style with her; it was substance – I don't think she listened to spin doctors, she just had a clear idea and followed it through.
I remember her at the funeral of MP Eric Heffer. I was asked to make a speech and as I was waiting, there was someone behind me coughing. It was Mrs Thatcher, and at the end I thanked her for coming and she burst into tears. She had come out of respect for someone whose opinions she disagreed with."
Tony Benn, and also Margaret Thatcher at Eric Heffer's funeral, could show respect to the memory of people on opposite sides of the political divide. Shame people on here can't.
And as for Bob Crow's comments about Margaret Thatcher when she died, well what he said was wrong. It's also a shame that some people on here seem to think two wrongs make a right.Genghis

IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE wrote:
average_kinda_guy says...this man was a truly great politician. That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?

No, most likely not.

But that is because the system is not favoured in giving the poor opportunities. something this man fought against

[quote][p][bold]IDONTKNOWIFITISTRRUE[/bold] wrote:
average_kinda_guy says...this man was a truly great politician. That is your opinion, I and others may not think so but we are also entitled to our own opinion about this guy who was born with privileges. It is very easy for a rich, privileged person to do what he wishes, I wonder if he would have turned out the same if he came from poor beginnings?[/p][/quote]No, most likely not.
But that is because the system is not favoured in giving the poor opportunities. something this man fought againstelloello1980

I shall always remember that day and be thankful that I had the privilege to meet and spend some time in conversation with a man who, I consider to be one of the greatest minds and intellects in British politics.
A man in fact, who was the greatest Leader of the Labour party and Prime Minister that this country never had.

I shall always remember that day and be thankful that I had the privilege to meet and spend some time in conversation with a man who, I consider to be one of the greatest minds and intellects in British politics.
A man in fact, who was the greatest Leader of the Labour party and Prime Minister that this country never had.
http://new-agenda201
2.blogspot.co.uk/201
4/03/my-memories-of-
tony-benn.htmlThomasFairfax